5 Tips to Stay Fit in the Holiday Season

By your Fitness Trainers at Century Fitness

This holiday season make a solid plan for sensible eating, while still having fun.  Combine that plan with  a real effort to carve out  enough time for quality workouts so you can keep those results you’ve earned.  Here are some tips worth considering:

1. Holiday parties and special family events often center around tasty foods and well-prepared feasts. It is hard not to get caught up in the moment.  This could lead to the old adage, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” followed by doses of antacids.  Instead, plan part of your eating day to include bulky veggies and foods that are high in fiber.  You’ll start fuller and hopefully feast less than normal.  Also, during appetizers, or early party snacking, keep a drink in one hand (such as a seltzer) so at least one hand stays busy and you’re less likely to grab a plate and load it up!
2. When you run short on time you can still have “bursts” of exercise since the minutes all add up. Start the day with jumping jacks, burpees or mountain climbers for 5 or more minutes to wake up your metabolism.  During the day walk more or get up out of the cubicle and go climb some stairs.
3. If you are hosting guests then you can control the quality of the food by making fancier or spicier veggies, using lean meats and have less sugary desserts. When the guests are ready to go, load them up with lots of leftovers so you don’t continue the holiday feast at your house for days on end.
4. Buddy up your plan. Hopefully you have a like-minded friend or relative that is ready to handle those 20 foot long holiday buffets.  If not, join in a group class at the club or even consider a few sessions with a trainer to keep your focus on health and fitness, while still enjoying the holidays of course.  Make your workouts appointments with yourself and actually put them in your calendar for an added advantage!
5. Reward yourself when you are successful at maintaining your plan. Make the rewards non-food items such as a night at the movies, game night, or a new addition to your wardrobe.

This article is intended to provide general knowledge of health and fitness principles and should not be taken as medical advice or used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Always consult your doctor or licensed healthcare provider for personalized advice on diet and exercise.